What's Your Credit Score?

Whether we know it or not—or like it or not—a credit scorecard is always being kept on us. It affects whether we can get that loan, buy that car, get a mortgage—even get that good job. A good score can help us lower the cost of borrowing, lower our insurance rates and make us more attractive to all sorts of companies and institutions. Let’s find out what your score is today.

Improving your credit takes time. Beware of any advice that claims to improve your score fast. There is no quick way to fix a credit score. Don’t listen to anyone who claims otherwise.

Our counselors have 50-years of non-profit expertise behind them. They’ll help you without judgment and with total support for your long-term success. And while the plan we recommend may take some time, most times we can get it all rolling in one meeting or even with one phone conversation.

In our first appointment, we'll:

Review your credit report and get your score from the 3 major credit-reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion - most people never hear of them until they need credit, which may be too late if the score isn’t as good as it can be.)

Let’s go over everything in complete detail and in simple language. Let’s make sure you understand everything and its importance.

You’ll know what all the score numbers mean, and which numbers are the ones to shoot for.

If there are any problems with your report we’ll guide you on how best to resolve them.

Let’s get an action plan together with a checklist of “little victories” that will let you improve our credit worthiness step-by-step. And we’ll make sure you’re on track to maintain your good credit and reach your goals.

Send your letter by certified mail, “return receipt requested,” so you can document what the credit reporting company received. Keep copies of your dispute letter and enclosures. Credit reporting companies must investigate the items in question — usually within 30 days

How can I establish credit?

Get credit for the rent you pay. If you're building your credit score from scratch, you'll likely need to start with a secured credit card.

How often do credit scores change?

Your credit score changes as your credit report changes. Therefore, it can change often since new information is added to your credit report all the time

What effect can an error have on your credit report?

Account-related and derogatory mark errors could affect your credit score, which could then affect whether you'll qualify for a financial product such as a credit card or loan and what terms you can get. Personal information errors typically don't affect your credit score, but they could alert you to a reporting issue -- or even fraud.

What information goes into calculating a credit score?

Credit scores use information from three key areas of your credit report: account information (such as credit cards, auto loans, student loans, mortgages and rent), public records (such as tax liens or bankruptcies) and inquiries (requests by lenders to view your credit). Information such as race, gender, where you live and marital status are not used in credit scores

What is a credit score?

A credit score is a numerical expression based on a level analysis of your credit files, to represent your creditworthiness . A credit score is used by a lender to help determine whether a person qualifies for a particular credit card, loan, or service.

What is a good credit score?

While different lenders have their own standards for rating credit scores, 700 and higher (on a scale of 300 to 850) is generally considered good.

What is a secured credit card?

A secured card is backed by a cash deposit you make upfront; the deposit amount is usually the same as your credit limit.

Why is credit so important?

Your credit history and score is one of your most important parts of your financial life. Your credit score follows you forever and it will play a huge role in many major financial situations throughout your life.